Starting Strong At Early Years: A Parent’s Guide to ESF Education

Event Details

Join us for an engaging panel discussion hosted by the English Schools Foundation (ESF) in collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. Designed for parents of children aged 0-5, this event will provide valuable insights into ESF's early years education.

Meet our expert panellists, including the ESF Education Adviser, Principals from ESF schools and ESF Head of Admissions, as they share information about the curriculum, school life, student well-being, and admissions processes.

Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with our speakers and consult with the ESF admissions team before and after the discussion. Don't miss this chance to learn how ESF can help your child build a strong foundation for lifelong learning!

Agenda

August 27, 2025

Main Schedule

6:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Registration

ESF admissions team will provide consultations before the panel discussion.

7:00 PM - 7:45 PM

Panel Discussion

7:45 PM - 8:10 PM

Q&A Session

8:10 PM - 8:30 PM

Chat with the speakers and the ESF admissions team

Speakers

Jean-Pierre Adamson

ESF Education Adviser, Early Years & Primary Curriculum & Learning at English Schools Foundation

Kate Gower

Principal at ESF Bradbury School

Nicole Grevis-James

Head of School at ESF Tung Chung International Kindergarten

Julie Wong

Head of Admissions at English Schools Foundation

Jean-Pierre Adamson (MSc, MEd, FCCT) is the ESF Early Years & Primary Education Adviser, a role that allows him to champion engaging and inclusive education for young learners across ESF’s 18 Pre-K, KG and Primary school contexts. Drawing on a deep academic and practical background in educational leadership, multilingualism, and EdTech innovation, he believes that every child deserves a safe, supportive, and joyful learning environment where they can discover their strengths and truly thrive.

Jean-Pierre’s role involves collaborating closely with educators and school leadership teams in the development of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) curriculum. He also draws on expertise in strategic planning and implementation, team coaching frameworks and professional learning design to support schools. At the organisational level, Jean-Pierre drives ESF strategic priorities through policy development, external partnerships, cross-Foundation projects, and collaborative working groups. When not at schools or ESF Centre, he is most likely to be spotted exploring Hong Kong’s gorgeous beaches, trails, and islands with his three dogs.

Kate Gower is a British educator born and raised in Hong Kong, with diverse international teaching experience in Hong Kong, Oman, and the UK. She is passionate about creating the conditions for students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom, emphasising the vital role of play, hands-on experiences, and real-world action in education. Kate believes that learning extends beyond academics and that active engagement, exploration, and meaningful experiences are essential for unlocking every student’s full potential.

In addition to her teaching career, Kate is a dedicated foster parent, bringing her commitment to nurturing and growth into her family life. She enjoys hiking with her dog, Hunny, and travelling with her husband, embracing opportunities for adventure and learning beyond the school environment. Family and learning are at the heart of Kate’s life: her daughter is pursuing a career in early years education in Hong Kong, and her son, soon to graduate in Environmental Science, will study Mandarin in Shanghai. Through her professional and personal journey, Kate models the importance of holistic development, compassion, and lifelong learning.

Nicole is the Head of School at Tung Chung Kindergarten, where she is dedicated to fostering an innovative and nurturing learning environment for young children. With over 16 years of experience in early childhood education, Nicole believes in the power of play-based learning and the importance of inclusivity within the school community.

Nicole holds qualifications from South Africa and Hong Kong, both in education and leadership. She is passionate about building strong partnerships with families and the wider community, recognising that collaboration enhances children's learning experiences. Nicole has spent over a decade in IPBYP schools, working to create communities where every child can thrive, explore, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Nicole is a parent to two early years children, and enjoys creative activities and explorations with her children as they grow up in Hong Kong.

With over 18 years of experience at ESF, Julie Wong leads the admissions function as Head of Admissions, overseeing policy development, systems implementation, and student enrolment across the 22 ESF schools. She leads the central admissions team in implementing efficient, streamlined enrolment processes. Her expertise ensures efficient, equitable, and transparent admissions processes that align with ESF’s policy.

Julie oversees the complete enrolment lifecycle - from initial inquiry through placement - implementing systems that balance school needs with family expectations. She has successfully modernised ESF's admissions infrastructure, introducing digital solutions that improve responsiveness while managing thousands of applications annually. A foodie, Julie delights in discovering authentic flavors across local neighborhoods and global destinations, believing that breaking bread together creates the best connections.

Members

Member PriceComplimentary

Non-Member

Standard PriceComplimentary

Sponsors and Partners

Discover and connect with other attendees.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be provided in writing to: amchamevent@amcham.org.hk at least seven working days prior to in-house events.
Registrations for events held outside the AmCham HK office are non-cancellable and non-refundable. No-shows will be charged.
When Typhoon 8 (or above) or Black Rainstorm Signal is hoisted, all events will be canceled

AmCham HK

Contact us

Starting Strong At Early Years: A Parent’s Guide to ESF Education

Event Details

Agenda

August 27, 2025

Main Schedule

Speakers

Jean-Pierre Adamson

Kate Gower

Nicole Grevis-James

Julie Wong

Tickets

Members

Non-Member

Sponsors and Partners

Community

Discover and connect with other attendees.

Venue

Venue

Cancellation Policy

AmCham HK

Contact us

Starting Strong At Early Years: A Parent’s Guide to ESF Education

Event Details

Agenda

August 27, 2025

Main Schedule

Speakers

Jean-Pierre Adamson

Kate Gower

Nicole Grevis-James

Julie Wong

Tickets

Members

Non-Member

Sponsors and Partners

Organizer

Community

Discover and connect with other attendees.

Venue

Venue

Cancellation Policy